Chapter 2e - Molly

“You’d sacrifice yourself for the sake of your family.”

I chuckle and throw up my hands. “I’m here tonight, aren’t I?”

His expression darkens. “You have the money with no strings attached. In fact,” he gestures at the door. “You’re free to leave if you’d like.”

A sense of panic rises in me. I’ve offended him. Doesn’t he know there is nowhere else in the world I’d rather be at this very moment?

“I was promised a meal,” I reply cavalierly.

“I can have it wrapped up and send you on your way.”

My smile falls. “Is that what you want?”

“Is that what you want?” he retorts, his expression inscrutable.

I look away, unable to maintain his gaze as I confess, “No, it’s not.”

“Then stop pretending you’re only here to save your family.” He gently touches my chin, urging me to look at him. “Admit you’re here for no other reason than you want to be here … with me.”

I sigh inwardly and close my eyes. “Yes, I’m here, wanting to be …” I open my eyes and let them fix resolutely upon his, “with you.”

His face colors as if caught off guard by my candor. He breathes deeply, centering himself. “Are you seeing anyone romantically?”

Now, he’s caught me off guard. “Well, no … not really.”

He smirks. “You’re too gorgeous to be alone.”

“Between my work hours and taking care of my mom, I don’t have much time for a social life,” I explain. “I might manage to squeeze in a date or two, but there’s no one special if that’s what you’re asking.”

“Good.”

I fold my arms across my chest. “And you? Please tell me there’s no Mrs. Shaughnessy.” I know there’s not, I did my homework. But I’m anxious to hear about his dating status.

“Mrs. Shaughnessy died eight years ago of ovarian cancer,” he says evenly like it’s neither an open wound nor something he can speak about lightly. “Regarding my dating status, I’ve just cleared my slate … for you.”

Damn, his directness. The power of it sends another shiver down my spine. I want to give into it, let him possess me. But what do I really know of this feral, intoxicatingly alluring creature before me?

“I’m sorry to hear about your late wife,” I say, with all the sincerity I feel. “I’m sure it must have been very difficult for you.”

He nods and takes another sip of bourbon. “It was, and especially hard for our son, Devon. He was only four at the time.”

I place my hand to my throat. “Oh, I didn’t realize ...” I scramble for some coherent words. “Who’s looking after him while you’re here?”

“His aunt, they’re very close, especially after his mother died.”

“Oh, thank goodness there was someone to help the two of you through that difficult time.” I find myself wishing it had been me offering him comfort and warmth in his time of dark sorrow.

“She and her husband have children his age, so they sort of took him in for a time until I could … find my footing again. Now he’s back with me.”

I didn’t think it was possible to feel more attracted to Declan, but his vulnerability makes him all the more appealing, giving substance to the gorgeous hunk sitting so dangerously close to me.

“It’s been a very long time since I’ve felt anything this … powerful for anyone since Iris passed away. But when I saw you in that courtroom.” He shakes his head as if utterly bewildered. “I knew I had to find a way to get to know you better, no matter what it took."

I arch an eyebrow and grin. "There was obviously a spark between us … a highly charged one. But …”

His brow furrows as he awaits my next words, yet his lips look so inviting, that I want to taste the bourbon on them.

“You really mean to tell me, tonight has nothing to do with the fact that I'm prosecuting your dear cousin Finn? Maybe you’re hoping I’ll throw the case for him?"

“Dear cousin?” Declan snorts dismissively. "I haven’t seen Finn since we were in grade school and even then, he was bad news. I’m only here because my uncle couldn’t be. He only wants to know that Finn received a fair and just trial.” He lowers his eyes and chuckles guiltily. “The truth is I was about to ditch the trial until …” he lifts those eyes like thunderbolts through my heart, “you walked in. From the moment I laid eyes on you, I was done.” He inclines his head to the side as he peers at me. “I think you felt a little jolt as well,” he smirks, “given the way your eyes kept finding their way back to me during the trial.”

My pulse kicks up at the intensity of his gaze. “You’re very … distracting.” I take a hasty gulp of water. "But regarding your true motives for having me here … the jury is still out," I volley back, though my voice wavers slightly.

He grins. "Whether Finn is found innocent or guilty as sin, I want you, Molly. Bad,” he says, devouring me with his gaze, “which makes it incredibly difficult to remain in this chair and not do all the things I’ve been dreaming we’ll do.”

It takes everything within me not to leap across the sofa straight into those muscular arms. I forced the thoughts from my head lest I do something embarrassingly stupid.

Come on, Tate. Keep your wits about you, girl.

His leg brushes mine on the sofa and I shiver at the contact. I’m about to lose it because I want more of him touching me everywhere. But I can't let myself be so easily maneuvered. He could be playing me like a fiddle with the aim of helping his cousin.

I am Molly Tate, attorney for the state, here to prosecute Declan’s cousin.

I straighten in my seat. "You're very charming, Mr. Shaughnessy. And not so hard on the eyes." I give him a teasing once-over that has heat flaring in his eyes. "But my very presence here could be deemed questionable from a professional ethics point of view. I don’t deny your allure, and frankly, I am looking forward to dinner, but that’s as far as this can go. I have my career to think about."

Declan laughs a rich, husky sound that makes me tingle. "Ah, but you are tempted to let it go further, dangerously tempted." His grin turns wolfish. "I'm flattered Ms. Tate and rest assured; you call the shots tonight."

I have to laugh despite myself. The man is incorrigible. And entirely too appealing for my peace of mind.

Taking my hand, he runs his thumb over my knuckles, sending little shocks up my arm. "In all seriousness, Molly - my interest in you has nothing to do with the trial. You’ll see that once the trial ends."

His touch, his nearness, the intensity of his gaze - it's all wreaking havoc on my composure. I have to put some space between us before I do something reckless, like kiss that tempting mouth of his.

Gently extracting my hand, I grab my water and rise abruptly to my feet. "Why don't we continue this conversation on the balcony? I could use some fresh air."

Before he can respond, I stride quickly toward the glass doors leading outside, grateful for the cool night breeze on my flushed skin. I hear Declan's footsteps behind me as he joins me at the railing.

"It's a beautiful view," I say lightly, determined to steer the conversation to safer waters. But all my resolve melts away as he moves behind me, hands coming to rest on the railing just outside of mine, caging me in. I feel the heat of his body against my back and swallow hard.

"It certainly is a gorgeous view," he murmurs in my ear, his warm breath sending a shiver down my neck.

I close my eyes, heart racing. This man will be my undoing. I should put a stop to this right now. But as his lips brush my shoulder, all reasonable thoughts flee my mind.

I turn in the circle of his arms to face him, pulse thrumming wildly. His eyes burn into mine, filled with desire and something more tender. Slowly, giving me time to pull away, he lowers his mouth to mine.